Morgue Tech

WVU Medicine•Bensley, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, this position may assist Pathologists, Residents and Pathology Assistants with autopsy examinations by performing technical procedures as directed. In all instances, must maintain a clean and functional work area. Interacts with Hospital personnel, Pathology and Histology staff, Funeral Homes, County and State Medical Examiners, and other areas related to designated responsibilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Must be able to problem solve.
Must have basic computer skills
Must pay strict attention to detail while multitasking.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field of study.

Responsibilities

Participates in daily operations of the Pathology morgue including, but not limited to, assisting with autopsies (body preparation, autopsy suite procedure preparation, evisceration assistance, perfusion of lungs, tissue acquisition for histology review, brain preservation for didactic purposes, accessioning and organizing subsequent specimen protocols as needed (e.g., heart valve dissolution for aortic evaluation preparation).
Handles all tissue/ autopsy materials/specimens appropriately with preservation as needed, chain of custody as needed, disposal of organs, tissues and fluids, disposition of bodies, etc., and all legalities with associated paperwork.
Interacts with Funeral Homes, County Medical Examiners, possibly State Medical Examiners, body transport services, CORE, Human Gift Registry in Anatomy Dept, etc., to properly direct activities surrounding movement and disposition of the deceased with accompanying correct disposition of personal belongings and legal needs. Acts as a source of information to hospital areas as to specific needs and required legal forms for decedents.
Assures all paperwork associated with body movement/disposition is properly completed, including death certificates, autopsy requests, personal belonging forms, etc. Provides follow up as needed by contacting hospital staff, radiology, law enforcement, medical examiners, physicians or others involved with case.
Oversees paperwork and assists with direction of finances involved with private autopsies and with autopsies from system hospitals. Interacts with families requesting private autopsies to provide details/ information, and also other system hospitals to arrange for times, recommend transport, etc.
Assures morgue/autopsy supplies are always in stock and PPE is available at all times.
Operates morgue/autopsy equipment (bone saws, perfusion equipment, radiology units), and performs appropriate QA and maintenance, documenting all. Reports anything unacceptable to the Supervisor or Manager and documents all resolutions.
Also preserves specimens for teaching and research (i.e., organs, sections of organs), according to SOP.
Maintains accurate and legible morgue documentation and communication logs and QA and QC requirements.
Participates in the educational endeavors of the institution to meet the current and future needs in support of the department's, hospital's and the university's goals and mission of teaching and research. Participates as required, in the education of medical students, residents and Pathology Assistant students, as established by SOP.